scholarly journals Development of sexual organs and fecundity in Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797 from the Sardinian waters (Mediterranean Sea)

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 270 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. CUCCU ◽  
M. MEREU ◽  
C. PORCU ◽  
M.C. FOLLESA ◽  
AL. CAU ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Sexual Maturation ◽  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Octopus Vulgaris ◽  
Histological Structure ◽  
Good Correspondence ◽  
Potential Fecundity ◽  
Oviducal Gland ◽  
Spermatophore Size ◽  
Sound Management

In this paper we report information about the sexual maturity process of 245 Octopus vulgaris specimens (75 females and 170 males) from the Mediterranean Sea. For both sexes, six stages of sexual maturity (immature, developing, maturing, mature, spawning, and spent) are identified on the basis of macroscopic and microscopic observations of the reproductive system and linked with some reproductive indices. A good correspondence between gonad appearance and its histological structure is observed, highlighting, in females, how oviducal gland morphology plays a crucial role in the macroscopic evaluation of maturity. The Gonadosomatic and Hayashi indices, in the two genders, and the Oviducal Gland index in females alone do not allow distinguishing all the stages in an irrefutable way. Data on the potential fecundity, oocyte and spermatophore size are reported and compared with literature. In addition, spermatophore components are also computed. The results reported in this paper lead to easy identification of the different phases of sexual maturation of O. vulgaris and could constitute an important tool for defining assessment models in view of sound management of this species.

scholarly journals Protect the Natives to Combat the Aliens: Could Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797 Be a Natural Agent for the Control of the Lionfish Invasion in the Mediterranean Sea?

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Crocetta ◽  
Maria Shokouros-Oskarsson ◽  
Nikolaos Doumpas ◽  
Ioannis Giovos ◽  
Stefanos Kalogirou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Invasions ◽  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Octopus Vulgaris ◽  
Major Threat ◽  
Global Biodiversity ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Natural Agent

Biological invasions constitute a major threat to native ecosystems and to global biodiversity [...]

scholarly journals Pots as alternative and sustainable fishing gears in the Mediterranean Sea: an overview

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Petetta ◽  
Massimo Virgili ◽  
Stefano Guicciardi ◽  
Alessandro Lucchetti
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Spiny Lobster ◽  
Mesh Size ◽  
Octopus Vulgaris ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Fishing Gears ◽  
Pros And Cons ◽  
The Mediterranean

AbstractStock overexploitation, bycatch, discards and gear impacts on the environment are outstanding issues for Mediterranean fisheries. The adoption of alternative fishing gears is an appealing solution to ensure a more sustainable exploitation of resources. We discuss the pros and cons of pots as alternative gears by reviewing their main designs, spatial distribution and target species in the Mediterranean basin. We assessed the technical factors affecting the catch efficiency of the different pot designs for four target species: spiny lobster, Palinurus elephas; Norway lobster, Nephrops norvegicus; common octopus, Octopus vulgaris and pandalid shrimps, Plesionika spp. We found that pot volume is important to catch Octopus; mesh size to catch Nephrops and Plesionika; entrance surface to catch Octopus, Nephrops and Plesionika; pot shape/colour and entrance shape/position to catch Octopus and Plesionika; and bait type to catch Octopus and Nephrops. The literature review shows that pot fisheries have several considerable advantages over conventional gears, especially in terms of discards, bycatch, seabed impacts (particularly compared with bottom trawls and passive set nets), size and species selectivity, gear depredation, catch quality and gear cost, besides saving time and labour. Disadvantages hampering their wider diffusion include ghost fishing, a low catch of finfish species, the narrow range of species targeted by each pot design and the current early stage of research. These data make a clear case for using pots as alternative gears to traditional ones in the Mediterranean Sea in some areas and seasons to catch certain target species.

Exteroceptive Factors, Sexual Maturation and Reproduction in the Female Rat

1979 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 283-286 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. Norris ◽  
C. E. Adams
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Sexual Maturation ◽  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Mature Male ◽  
Female Rat ◽  
Vaginal Opening ◽  
Sexually Mature

Summary Keeping a sexually mature male with a weanling female rat advanced neither the time of vaginal opening nor that of 1st oestrus. In 2 of 3 experiments females kept singly after weaning reached sexual maturity significantly earlier than did grouped females. The reproductive performance of females mated at 1st oestrus was not significantly different from that of older primiparae. 26 rats gave birth to an average of 9·3 young at 59·5 days of age, and 22 of them reared 96% of the young to weaning.

scholarly journals Distribution, abundance and biological features of anglerfish (Lophius piscatoirus and Lophhius budegassa) (Osteichthyes: Lphiiformes) in the Mediterranean Sea

2002 ◽  
Vol 66 (S2) ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Ungaro ◽  
Giovanni Marano ◽  
Roberto Auteri ◽  
Alessandro Voliani ◽  
Enric Massutí ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Biological Features ◽  
Total Length ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Trawl Surveys

The distribution and biological features of anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius and L. budegassa) in the Mediterranean Sea were analysed from trawl surveys data (MEDITS project, years 1994-1999). The above-mentioned species were widely distributed in the Mediterranean, but differences in abundance were found according to geographic sectors and depths. Most of the collected specimens belonged to the first length cohorts and length distributions also differed at macro-area levels. Mean sizes at female sexual maturity were estimated at 68.5 cm and 66.2 cm total length, respectively for L. piscatorius and L. budegassa.

scholarly journals Gonadal morphology, histology and spermatogenesis of striped piggy fish, Pomadasys stridens (Forsskal, 1775) (Family: Pomadasyidae) from Karachi coast, Pakistan.

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amtyaz Safi
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Fat Body ◽  
Histological Structure ◽  
Reproductive State ◽  
Female Fish ◽  
Structure Morphology ◽  
Morphological Differences ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Relationship

A study was conducted on the histological structure, morphology of gonads and spermatogenesis of testes of the striped piggy fish, Pomadasys stridens from Karachi coast of Pakistan. The reproductive biology of grunt fishes, and the Pomadasys stridens in particular, is not well understood with respect to functional morphology and histology of the gonads in relation to sexual maturity. In the course of an investigation of the genetic variability of Pomadasys stridens, differences in morphology were observed between the right and left gonad of male and female fish and the size of the fat body associated with the gonads. Histological examinations were made to determine the relationship between these morphological differences and the reproductive state of the gonads. Findings made from this paper are gonad morphology, histology, and spermatogenesis and relate them to the reproductive biology of this species.

Integrated analysis of sexual maturation through successive growth instars in the spider crab Leurocyclus tuberculosus (Decapoda: Majoidea)

2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (7) ◽  
pp. 473-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ximena González-Pisani ◽  
Pedro J. Barón ◽  
Laura S. López Greco
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Maturation ◽  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Carapace Width ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Spider Crab ◽  
Size At Maturity ◽  
Frequency Distributions ◽  
The Right ◽  
Sexually Mature

An integrative analysis of sexual maturity associated with growth was developed for the spider crab Leurocyclus tuberculosus (H. Milne Edwards and Lucas, 1842). Sexual maturity was characterized based on gonadal, morphological, morphometric, and functional sexual maturity. Progress in sexual maturation was described through 13 growth stages (instars) detected by the examination of size (carapace width) frequency distributions. Mature females displayed mature ovaries, developed vaginae, open gonopores, allometric changes in the abdomen, and ovigerous stage in the transition from instar IX to instar X. Sexually mature males presented spermatophores in the distal vasa deferentia and allometric changes in several measurements of the right chela in the transition from instar X to instar XI. However, two prepubertal phases were recognized in both sexes separated from each other by a prepubertal critical molt. Preceding the second critical molt, gonopores were sealed and vasa deferentia showed no spermatophores, and therefore neither sex was able to mate. The integrated analysis of size at maturity and size frequency distributions showed that in both sexes molt to gonadal, morphological, morphometric, and functional sexual maturity occurred in advance of the terminal molt, in contrast with patterns observed in other Majoidea.

Reproduction in the two species of grey kangaroo, Macropus giganteus Shaw and M. fuliginosus (Desmarest) I. Sexual maturity and oestrus

1974 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 277 ◽  
Author(s):  
WE Poole ◽  
PC Catling
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Maturation ◽  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Cycle Length ◽  
Urogenital Sinus ◽  
Embryonic Diapause ◽  
Mean Delay ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
Variance Ratios ◽  
The Mean ◽  
A Current

Eastern grey kangaroos, M. giganteus, and the western grey kangaroos M. f. fuliginosus, M.J melanops and M. f, ocydromus were bred in enclosures over a period of 10 y. Testis biopsies indicated sexual maturity in males, as follows: in both species, changes in the tubules from age 15 months; some spermatozoa seen by 20 months; active spermatogenesis with sperm free in the lumen by 31 (some western greys) or 48 months (eastern greys). In females, onset of sexual maturation, indicated by eversion of the teats, was from 14 and 18 months in western and eastern greys respectively; initial mating at c. 16.4 and 19 months with births not less than 1 month later. Crosses occurred only between western males and eastern females. Male hybrids were sterile; females were fertile, invariably mated with western males but also twice with eastern males. Smears taken from the anterior urogenital sinus showed that in both species and in their hybrids oestrus was accompanied by a marked increase in long narrow epithelial cells ('long cells'). The cycle was 34.85+-4.42 days in western females, 38.06h+-3.51 days in hybrids and 45.58+-19.82 days in eastern females. Variation in cycle length between and within females in each species was not significant, although variation between fuliginosus and melanops was significant at the 5% level. Oestrus occurred in all months of the year but least often in winter when some females entered anoestrus. Variance ratios for cycle length in relation to month of year were not significant for eastern or hybrid females but were, at the 5 % level, for western females. On loss or removal of pouch young the mean delay in return to oestrus was 10.92f 4.78 days in eastern and 8.2515.84 days in western females, significantly different at the 5% level. Females which retain their young may return to oestrus by 150 days after the birth and may mate at any or all of up to nine oestruses before conceiving again. Differences between eastern and western females were not significant, but those between western subspecies were, particularly between fuliginosus and melanops at the 0.1 % level. Embryonic diapause was observed seven times, all in eastern females, and followed matings not less than 160 days after the birth of a current pouch young.

Age, growth, sexual maturity and reproduction of the thornback ray,Raja clavata(L.), of the Gulf of Gabès (south-central Mediterranean Sea)

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 416-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasna Kadri ◽  
Sondes Marouani ◽  
Bechir Saïdi ◽  
Mohamed Nejmeddine Bradai ◽  
Abderrahmen Bouaïn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Central Mediterranean ◽  
Gulf Of Gabes ◽  
Gulf Of Gabès ◽  
South Central ◽  
Thornback Ray ◽  
Raja Clavata ◽  
Central Mediterranean Sea

scholarly journals Low Pufferfish and Lionfish Predation in Their Native and Invaded Ranges Suggests Human Control Mechanisms May Be Necessary to Control Their Mediterranean Abundances

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aylin Ulman ◽  
Holden E. Harris ◽  
Nikos Doumpas ◽  
Hasan Deniz Akbora ◽  
Sara A. A Al Mabruk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Sea ◽  
Population Control ◽  
Octopus Vulgaris ◽  
Tiger Shark ◽  
Lemon Shark ◽  
Western Atlantic ◽  
Pterois Miles ◽  
Common Octopus ◽  
The Mediterranean ◽  
Lagocephalus Sceleratus

The silver-cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus, from the pufferfish family Tetraodontidae) and the Pacific red lionfish (Pterois miles, family Scorpaenidae) have recently invaded the Mediterranean Sea. Lagocephalus sceleratus has spread throughout this entire sea with the highest concentrations in the eastern basin, while more recently, Pterois miles has spread from the Eastern to the Central Mediterranean Sea. Their effects on local biodiversity and fisheries are cause for management concern. Here, a comprehensive review of predators of these two species from their native Indo-Pacific and invaded Mediterranean and Western Atlantic ranges is presented. Predators of Tetraodontidae in general were reviewed for their native Indo-Pacific and Western Atlantic ranges, as no records were found specifically for L. sceleratus in its native range. Tetraodontidae predators in their native ranges included mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda), lizardfish (Synodus spp.), tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier), lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris), sea snakes (Enhydrina spp.), catfish (Arius spp.), cobia (Rachycentron canadum), skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), and common octopus (Octopus vulgaris). The only reported predator of adult L. sceleratus in the Mediterranean was loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta), whereas juvenile L. sceleratus were preyed by common dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) and garfish (Belone belone). Conspecific cannibalism of L. sceleratus juveniles was also confirmed in the Mediterranean. Pufferfish predators in the Western Atlantic included common octopus, frogfish (Antennaridae), and several marine birds. Predators of all lionfish species in their native Indo-Pacific range included humpback scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis spp.), bobbit worms (Eunice aphroditois), moray eels (Muraenidae), and bluespotted cornetfish (Fistularia commersonii). Lionfish predators in the Mediterranean included dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus), white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus), common octopus, and L. sceleratus, whereas in the Western Atlantic included the spotted moray (Gymnothorax moringa), multiple grouper species (tiger Mycteroperca tigris, Nassau Epinephelus striatus, black Mycteroperca bonaci, red Epinephelus morio, and gag Mycteroperca microleps; Epinephelidae), northern red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), greater amberjack (Seriola dumerilli), and nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum). The sparse data found on natural predation for these species suggest that population control via predation may be limited. Their population control may require proactive, targeted human removals, as is currently practiced with lionfish in the Western Atlantic.

Ecological Studies of the Black Swan II*. Colour and Plumage Changes, Growth rates, Sexual Maturation and Timing and Frequency of Breeding

1981 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 121 ◽  
Author(s):  
LW Braithwaite
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Maturation ◽  
Growth Rates ◽  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
Temporal Relationship ◽  
Breeding Birds ◽  
Black Swan ◽  
Ecological Studies ◽  
Single Female ◽  
Adult Plumage ◽  
One Year

Aspects of the biology of the black swan were obtained mainly from studies of captive birds. Details are given on colour and plumage; the distinctive juvenile and adult plumages are described; in adults iris colour differs between the sexes and is related to weight in both sexes and sexual condition in males Growth rates vary significantly according to environment. Fledging was at 108-141 days for captive cygnets but was estimated to extend to 170 days in wild birds. Young birds usually moulted into adult plumage between August and November at ages of 8-26 months. Replacement of the wing plumage requires 38-51 days. Periods of 7-36 months elapse between moults of the wing plumage, the period decreasing significantly wlth age. There is no fixed temporal relationship between breeding and moulting, though adults often moult within six months of laying, so that they are flightless during the pre-fledging period of cygnets. Breeding birds tend to moult later in the year and more frequently than birds not breeding. Birds usually attain sexual maturity and breed at ages of 18-24 or 33-36 months, within 1-2 years of attainment of adult plumage. Captive swans bred in all months of the year except December and January, with most in June-August. Frequency of laying was variable and highly dependent on the particular circumstances of captivity. Most swans commenced two or more clutches annually in at least one year of captivity. Within less than 12 months, a single female was capable of commencing eight clutches or rearing three broods.

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